Carts for the new organics waste program will be hitting the curbs of Cochrane on Monday.
“We are ready to roll,” said Fabrizio Bertolo, manager for solid waste and recycling.
Up to 8,800 families in Cochrane will receive either 240L or 120L street carts depending on home size, as well as a small kitchen bin, informational brochures, and samplers for compost bags.
Scheduled waste collection will commence on April 18 and continue on a weekly basis throughout the summer and switching to bi-weekly over the winter.
Cochranites will not have to pay any additional fees to take advantage of the services.
“We were able to reduce the cost for the program so there won’t be increased costs for the utilities,” said Bertolo.
Bertolo said 67 per cent of waste in Cochrane is comprised of organic waste that could have been composted, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, napkins, coffee cups and paper dishware.
Even cat litter and waste from household pets can be composted so long as it is stored in a compostable bag.
As part of the Zero Waste Framework initiative established in 2012, which targets to reduce 80 per cent of landfill waste by 2020, Bertolo expects the new organics program will help contribute toward that goal.
“We are going to definitely be on target,” said Bertolo.
Bins are recommended, but not required, to be lined with particular composting bags, newspapers, or paper bags. Conventional plastic bags or even regular biodegradable bags cannot be used.
The program received approval last September, but has been in planning stages for years.
“We have been working for over two years on the program before engaging the residents with a couple of surveys,” said Bertolo.
All waste collected is deposited to an approved organics facility located in Calgary.
Further information about the program can be found at cochrane.ca/organics or the Eco Centre hotline at 403- 851-2277.
